Frog Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Thank you Rick A for doing what you could. It is both sad and angering that Craig died like this. To take you eyes off the road and run over a cyclist at high speed is infinitely negligent. There is nothing a cyclist can do to avoid that kind of idiot. What a waste of a very sharp mind and what a loss for Candice and the two live-wire kids. Be ultra careful out there whether you're on your bike or driving a car!
Tumbleweed Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Thank you Rick A for doing what you could. It is both sad and angering that Craig died like this. To take you eyes off the road and run over a cyclist at high speed is infinitely negligent. There is nothing a cyclist can do to avoid that kind of idiot. What a waste of a very sharp mind and what a loss for Candice and the two live-wire kids. Be ultra careful out there whether you're on your bike or driving a car! how old are his children?
Rawhide Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 This is such terrible news at a time when there are so many cyclists out riding and enjoying this fantastic sport. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his sons and rest of his family and friends.
Nix M2 Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Hi all, just got this email from a friend of mine:If anyone has any suggestions you can PM me and I'll pass it on. "I've just been informed that the Deputy Mayor (in absence of the Mayor herself) has called an urgent meeting with all the Mayco members and Executive Directors of the City to discuss what can be done for the safety of cyclists on the road, following the death of Craig Haskins. It will take place this Friday.I've already had a debate with my mum about what can be done, and she is open to further suggestions that can be put forward at the meeting.One thing we discussed was the possibility of having road signs along regular routes (Ou Kaapse, Main Road, etc) to remind motorists to be aware of cyclists. This would of course cost money and would need some sponsorship and the approval of the city.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> If any of you have anything you?d like to put forward, please send to me and I shall pass on valid stuff to my mum.Feel free to pass this message on to fellow cyclists in the hope that we can get something going."
THE BODY CENTRE Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Sometimes there is just nothing to say --- I have been sitting and staring at this thread --- but have no words. Just this feeling of nausea ... and appreciation for RickA and others who cared enough to involve themselves.
scotty Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Hi all' date=' just got this email from a friend of mine: If anyone has any suggestions you can PM me and I'll pass it on. "I've just been informed that the Deputy Mayor (in absence of the Mayor herself) has called an urgent meeting with all the Mayco members and Executive Directors of the City to discuss what can be done for the safety of cyclists on the road, following the death of Craig Haskins. It will take place this Friday.I've already had a debate with my mum about what can be done, and she is open to further suggestions that can be put forward at the meeting.One thing we discussed was the possibility of having road signs along regular routes (Ou Kaapse, Main Road, etc) to remind motorists to be aware of cyclists. This would of course cost money and would need some sponsorship and the approval of the city.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> If any of you have anything you?d like to put forward, please send to me and I shall pass on valid stuff to my mum.Feel free to pass this message on to fellow cyclists in the hope that we can get something going."[/quote'] ShaunH aka Captainslow has been very involved in putting up signs in Gauteng
Rawhide Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Regarding signs, there is allready an initiative that you can look at called the "Sign-up initiative" http://www.sign-up.co.za/BicyclingMagazine%20Interview.html I haven't seen to many of the signs here in the WC but I think they have had some impact in Gauteng.
JasonW Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 How about turning all yellow / line emergency lanes in urban areas into cyclist-only lanes with lots of signage. In the greater scheme of things this can hardly be a major expense. Having been hit by a car myself, I believe that the best solution is to try and seperate cars from bikes as much as possible. As all cities are trying to push for less traffic, they should be incentivising and encouraging the use of bicycles.
Pickles Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 I feel positively ILL. Myself and 2 friends have just come off that exact route. My 16 year old son spends a lot of time out on that road. I want to sob! My heart is SO sore for that man, his wife and little boys. If R10 from every entry at every funride/race was donated SPEFICALLY to the city for signage and safety awareness, it would be money well spent. I am more than willing to pay an extra R10 a ride if I am convinced the money will be used for safety promotional purposes.
ccc2 Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 no amount of money , signs or driver education will prevent bad driving habits. from what i can gather the driver leaned over to do something causing the car to drift into the hard shoulder. this is something that we have no control over and something i am most afraid of ie a driver doing something that causes them "not to see you", like talking on the cell phone, changing cds' , etc etcCraig's death is so needless , may he RIP
Fr@ncois Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 A friend at the office suggested rumble strips on the yellow line - might warn motorists when they stray, but of course it affects bicycles too. Rick, you were a rock out there last night - did you catch the name of the lady doctor and the surfer dude that helped? They also deserve a lot of thanks for their efforts.
Climate Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Firstly ... our thoughts and prayers for Craig's family - this is indeed terrible news. May God comfort you guys through this really hard time. Secondly ... thanks again Rick for all you've done. On the safety issue and what can be done ... I think there needs to be change from both sides, in order for any change to be accepted by motorists. We've recently been hosting some visitors from Belgium and clearly witnessed how nervous they were (because of traffic), riding on our roads. They mentioned that no motorist is allowed to pass within a metre of any cyclist ... and hefty fines are imposed when this law is transgressed. The converse rule also holds though ... if a cycling lane is available, but not used by the cyclist, his/her bike is confiscated (no questions asked) and a 500 Euro payment is required to retrieve said bike. Likewise, cyclists are fined for not adhering to traffic signals, just as are motorists. So if we as cyclists will accept the responsibility of abiding by the existing traffic rules, maybe we can claim some "space" between us and passing motor vehicles.
Poison Ivy Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 no amount of money ' date=' signs or driver education will prevent bad driving habits. [/quote'] that is so true....about a week ago there was a lady behind me in a green Fiat Palio....she was busy putting her make up on in the rear view mirror while driving. Granted we were not going fast, but regardless I counted about 3 times she almost ran into the back of my car....she paid zero attention to what was going on around her..... well done, Lady....great time management on your part and for being an idiot all at the same time Poison Ivy2009-02-04 05:52:09
jaguar Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 R.I.P CraigCondolences and prayers for all who knew him. This is horrble news
shrubber Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 Rest In Peace Craig......my thoughts have been with the family since i read this shocking piece of news..... I must be honest, I am now becoming crap scared of riding in my area. I have to use sections of the R72 (narrow, no yellow line area) in the Kenton-on-Sea/Bushmans area to reach the dirt roads I normally ride on. The number of times I've had scary trucksuck from close encounters as well as solid and non-solid line overtakers heading straight towards me on these relatively short sections of tar road....... I just don't know, should I ride on the verge? Maybe that could be a starting point. Even that isn't safe as we've had pedestrians in the area hit and killed while walking well off the road. Take up off road running maybe? As I said, my nerve is going......
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